View a FREE sample

This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Detailed Summary & Analysis.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How long had Santiago gone without catching a fish?
(a) 84 days.
(b) 6 months.
(c) 87 days.
(d) 1 year.

2. How does the boy act defensively about Santiago as the fishermen look at the marlin's skeleton?
(a) He holds back his tears so the men will not see his concern.
(b) He starts a fight with a fisherman who is laughing at the old man.
(c) He tells them that Santiago is sleeping and they are not to disturb him.
(d) He refuses to speak to the other fishermen in the village.

3. How did the old man know the marlin had turned eastward?
(a) The skiff began to go slower against the east wind.
(b) The afternoon sun was on his back.
(c) The eastern sea breezes grew stronger.
(d) His compass indicated the direction.

4. How does the old man think he could have made better preparation for eating the raw fish?
(a) Soaking it in sea water before eating it.
(b) Chopping it up into smaller pieces.
(c) Cutting it up as soon as he caught it and letting it sun dry.
(d) Splashing sea water on the bow and letting it dry to get the salt.

5. What happens while Santiago and the boy enjoy a beer on the Terrace?
(a) Santiago discovers that he has no money to pay for the beer.
(b) Some of the fishermen make fun of Santiago while others feel sorry for him.
(c) The boy gets drunk because his is not used to drinking beer.
(d) Santiago feels sad because only the boy will sit and drink with him.

Short Answer Questions

1. Santiago recalls catching marlin that weighed over a thousand pounds. Why is this time different?

2. What does the old man speculate he could use to buy good luck?

3. Santiago is pinned down and the line is rushing out around his back and through his hand, cutting them. What makes him think about the boy?

4. What makes the flying fish jump out of the water and scatter feverishly?

5. What does the old man think he killed the fish for besides food and to keep himself alive?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 482 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample